OM System
M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO
Micro Four Thirds Mount
600mm-equiv. F4 super-telephoto with Sync IS (6 stops), 1270g weight, and PRO weather sealing.
$3,499
Launch priceReleased Feb 2016
Panasonic
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
Micro Four Thirds Mount
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 — 42.5mm f/1.2 for Micro Four Thirds, a popular choice in the panasonic lineup.
$1,599
Launch priceReleased Aug 2014
M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO is 1.4 years newer.
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Wins
M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO
Wins
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
TL;DR — Key differences
- BLEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has lower Min focus distance (38 cm vs 140 cm)
- BLEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/4)
- BLEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/4)
- BLEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has lower Weight (425 g vs 1270 g)
- BLEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has lower Length (110 mm vs 227 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO
⌀93 × 227 mm
1270 g (2.80 lb / 44.80 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
⌀70 × 110 mm
425 g (0.94 lb / 14.99 oz)
M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO is 117mm longer and 23mm wider than LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2.
M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO is 845 g heavier than LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2.
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Super ED, 3 HR, 1 E-HR
Reasons to choose the LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical, ED
- ✓
Min focus distance
38 cm vs 140 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
425 g vs 1270 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
110 mm vs 227 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
70 mm vs 92.5 mm — lower is better
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 4 stops — higher is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
Pros
- ✓Bright f/1.2 aperture for low light and subject separation
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO and LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 at major authorized retailers.
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO
Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.